MP tours schools

Member of Parliament for Pineridge, Rev. Frederick McAlpine checked on the progress of repairs that are currently underway at the Jack Hayward Junior High School and Hugh Campbell Primary, during a tour of the schools in his constituency, Monday (August 21) morning. At right McAlpine speaks with the contractors carrying out the repairs at both schools.
(PHOTOS: JENNEVA RUSSELL)

Finalization of back-to-school preparations has swung into full gear inclusive of maintenance repairs at Hugh W. Campbell Primary School and Jack Hayward Junior High School, which Rev. Frederick McAlpine Member of Parliament for Pineridge had an opportunity to assess firsthand on Monday, August 21, 2017.

Less than two weeks remain before students and teachers alike return to the classroom and to ensure that the process occurs smoothly and without delay, McAlpine along with Seaport Construction Co. Ltd. CEO Franco Miller and Vell Done Construction Management and Maintenance Co. Ltd. CEO Alan Vellacott, toured both campuses discussing the scope of work completed as well as issues that must be addressed.

“Tours of Hugh W. Campbell Primary School and Jack Hayward Junior High School will be conducted today so that I would be able to witness firsthand the progress of repairs ahead of the reopening of school on Monday, September 4, 2017.

“Within the Pineridge constituency five schools come under my purview as the Member of Parliament, which are Genesis Academy, the Haven Academy (formerly PACE for Teen Mothers), the Beacon School, Hugh W. Campbell Primary School and Jack Hayward Junior High School and it is imperative to ensure that all repair work is completed both on time and budget in order to prevent any delays.

“Seaport Construction Co. Ltd. and Vell Done Construction Management and Maintenance Co. Ltd. were successful in securing repair and maintenance bids submitted to the government for works to be carried out at all five institutions.

“To date 98 percent of the repairs has been completed at Hugh W. Campbell Primary School and Jack Hayward Junior High School and I have been assured by the contractors that before the end of the week, the scope of works remaining would be completed.

“Oftentimes parents raise concerns about repairs not being completed in time for the reopening of school, but certainly I can reassure those in my constituency that no delays in this regard would be experienced.

“Both Mr. Miller and Mr. Vellacott have done an outstanding job and have worked diligently to ensure that all repairs inclusive of roofing, tiling, cabinetry, door mounting and lock replacement, painting and fencing were properly executed,” said McAlpine.

Applauding the Seaport Construction Co. Ltd. team for working after hours to complete major repairs at Hugh W. Campbell Primary School, which sustained serious damages as a result of Hurricane Matthew, McAlpine expressed his gratitude to Miller for going the extra mile to get the job done within the allotted timeframe and on budget.

He also praised Miller for giving back to the school by carrying out maintenance services free of charge that were not included in the scope of works the government outlined for repairs.

The Pineridge representative also noted his delight that both Seaport Construction Co. Ltd. and Vell Done Construction Management and Maintenance Co. Ltd. are companies established locally and strike a perfect balance between blossoming entrepreneurship and experience.

“Vell Done Construction Management and Maintenance Co. Ltd. has been a part of the contractual landscape for many years and is considered the veteran business with Mr. Vellacott at the helm and although Seaport Construction Co. Ltd. is fairly new, Mr. Miller and his team have done an amazing job.

“Both companies have hired other smaller companies to carry out portions of the repairs which augurs well for the local construction economy and I am impressed that the students in the Pineridge constituency will not experience any interruptions as far as repairs are concerned because the quality of work executed is of the highest standard.

“I took it upon myself to personally inspect the work carried out and again I can say that they have done a fine job with most of the work completed ahead of schedule.

“Constituents of my area would be pleased and I am excited about the start of school,” declared McAlpine.